HC Deb 09 May 1966 vol 728 cc2-3
3. Mr. Iremonger

asked the Minister of Health why hearing aids of the necessary strength are not available for National Health Service patients who are almost stone deaf, in cases in which such people can be made to hear with aids available elsewhere for under £50; and if he will take steps to expedite the case, details of which he has received from the hon. Member for Ilford, North.

Mr. Loughlin

My right hon. Friend is investigating the possibility of designing a National Health Service hearing aid to help the small minority of people who do not benefit from the present range of Medresco aids. I am writing to the hon. Member about the individual case referred to.

24. Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Minister of Health if, when an individual buys privately a hearing aid, he will arrange for him to receive an allowance equal to the cost of the National Health Service aid.

Mr. Loughlin

My right hon. Friend has no power to give financial assistance towards the cost of hearing aids obtained privately.

Mr. Mills

What percentage of people obtaining hearing aids pay for them themselves? Secondly, would the hon. Gentleman say whether or not he is satisfied that the National Health Service hearing aids are sufficiently suitable for all people?

Mr. Loughlin

All we know about percentages is that, as far as we can ascertain, the vast majority of people are fitted with satisfactory hearing aids under the National Health Service. There are a few who are not and, as I indicated in answer to a previous Question, we are now investigating the possibility of the introduction of an aid which will cater for the remaining few.

Mr. Pavitt

Has the Ministry examined the possibility of issuing post-aural aids in place of the Medresco aids?

Mr. Loughlin

My right hon. Friend will be investigating each aspect of the matter.

Mr. Braine

Is there any good reason why, in cases of this kind, arrangements should not be made for the issue of free batteries?

Mr. Loughlin

It is questionable whether this is possible technically. We have batteries for our existing range of hearing aids and it is possible that they would not fit the others in any case.